Head Protection Helmet Assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved head protection helmet assembly includes a helmet and a torso subassembly that is either a support vest or a shoulder pad subassembly. The helmet and torso subassembly are attached together in a way the helmet cannot move relative to the torso subassembly. A force applied to the helmet is transferred to the torso subassembly. The head of a person using the head protection helmet assembly can be moved inside, and relative to, the helmet. The head protection helmet assembly can also include front and rear body plates attached to the torso subassembly to reduce movement of the torso subassembly and the helmet.

BACKGROUND

Head, neck, torso and limb injuries are common occurrences for participants in certain types of sporting events, such as American or Canadian style football. Head and neck injuries are potentially the most critical types of injuries, since these can lead to lifelong brain or spinal problems.

There are generally two dynamic events that cause head and neck injuries to football players—acceleration (assumed to include positive and negative) of the head and relative movement between the head and shoulders. The acceleration is typically caused by impact with other players or with the ground. Brain concussions are typically caused by impacts to the person directly from the front, back, side or top of the head, as well as by impacts at an angle that produce a force that causes head rotation. Acceleration of the person's head causes movement of the brain inside the skull that can result in an impact between the brain and the skull or pressure between the brain and skull. These impacts to the person also typically apply a force to the neck due to the resulting relative movement between the head and neck, including direct backward, forward and side-to-side pivoting and left or right twisting of the head. Such relative head-neck movement can put a severe strain on the person's neck muscles, ligaments, vertebrae and spinal column.

Given the potential life-altering severity of head and neck injuries, it is generally desirable to reduce the number and severity of brain concussions, neck injuries and torso injuries to football players (and other athletes) caused by collision with other players or the ground. The most common solution involves a helmet that is placed directly onto the person's head. Typical helmets consist of a hard outer shell with an energy absorbing liner on the inside of the shell. The shell is typically made of a molded polycarbonate alloy. Common liners include foam padding or air bladders. The hard shell distributes the force of the impact, and the liner absorbs the impact energy and reduces the impact on the person's head.

Studies and research projects conducted to improve head protection for football players (and athletes in other sports) have concentrated on modifying the design of the helmet, but without changing the basic concept according to which the helmet is placed on the person's head. Instead, the main ideas have generally been to improve the energy absorbing materials of the liners in the helmets and to modify the flexible outer shell of the helmet. For example, some solutions incorporate energy absorbing pads that fit over the helmet exterior. Additionally, for neck protection, padded collars have been developed that fit around the helmet between the base of the helmet and the shoulder pads. These collars limit head movement and limit the force applied to the neck by restricting movement of the head to the rear and side, but not generally movement toward the front. Such collars can reduce strain on the neck, but typically do not eliminate the forces on the neck.

Despite these efforts, however, head and neck injuries continue to be a problem.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an improved head protection helmet assembly includes a helmet and a torso subassembly. The helmet and torso subassembly are attached together in a way the helmet cannot move relative to the torso subassembly.

In some embodiments, during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a force applied to the helmet is transferred to the torso subassembly and then to shoulders or a torso of the person. In some embodiments, during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a head of the person can be moved inside, and relative to, the helmet. In some embodiments, the helmet includes padding on an inside thereof; and during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a head of the person can move inside, and relative to, the helmet to press on the padding. In some embodiments, the torso subassembly includes a support vest configured to be worn by a person between the person and a shoulder pad assembly that includes shoulder pads and a central collar portion attached together; and the helmet is removably attached to the support vest. In some embodiments, the torso subassembly further includes a collar mount device attached to the support vest; and the helmet is removably attached to the collar mount device. In some embodiments, the collar mount device includes a mounting ring configured to at least partially surround a neck of the person; and the helmet is removably attached to the mounting ring. In some embodiments, the collar mount device further includes a neck portion; a bottom of the neck portion is attached to the support vest; and a top of the neck portion is attached to the mounting ring. In some embodiments, an inner dimension of the neck portion and the mounting ring is configured for a head of the person to be placed therethrough. In some embodiments, the neck portion and the mounting ring are configured for the shoulder pad assembly to be placed down on top of the support vest, with a neck opening of the central collar portion substantially surrounding and abutting the neck portion, and with the central collar portion substantially below the mounting ring. In some embodiments, the neck portion and the mounting ring are configured for part of the central collar portion to be positioned under a portion of the mounting ring when the shoulder pad assembly is placed down on top of the support vest.

In some embodiments, the torso subassembly is a shoulder pad subassembly that includes shoulder pads and a central collar portion attached together; and the helmet is removably attached to the central collar portion. In some embodiments, the torso subassembly further includes a collar mount device attached to the central collar portion; and the helmet is removably attached to the collar mount device. In some embodiments, the collar mount device includes a mounting ring configured to at least partially surround a neck of the person; and the helmet is removably attached to the mounting ring.

In some embodiments, the head protection helmet assembly also includes front and rear body plates attached to the torso subassembly; and during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, the front and rear body plates reduce movement of the torso subassembly and the helmet. In some embodiments, the head protection helmet assembly also includes a head cap worn by a person during usage of the head protection helmet assembly; and the head cap includes cap padding thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a head protection helmet assembly on a person, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2-4 are simplified diagrams of example helmets for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are simplified diagrams of examples helmets with internal padding for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a head cap for use with the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified diagrams of portions of the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are simplified diagrams of portions of an example torso subassembly for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 12-14 are simplified diagrams of the example mounting apparatus for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 15-17 are simplified diagrams of portions of alternative example mounting apparatuses for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a simplified diagram of another head protection helmet assembly on a person, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of portions of an example torso subassembly for use in the head protection helmet assembly shown in FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a simplified diagram the example torso subassembly shown in FIG. 19 with a portion of a shoulder pad assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A simplified example of an improved head protection helmet assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 1 surrounding a person or player 101, in accordance with some embodiments. For simplicity, simplified depictions of only the head 102, neck 103 and torso 104 of the player 101 are shown (arms and legs are not shown). The head protection helmet assembly 100 generally includes a helmet 105, a torso subassembly 106, and body (e.g., front and rear) plates 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the torso subassembly 106 is also a shoulder pad subassembly and serves to support or stabilize the helmet 105. The helmet 105 is firmly, but removably, attached to the torso subassembly 106, so that the helmet 105 does not move significantly or at all relative to the torso subassembly 106 (e.g., to the front, rear or either side, or rotational), since such relative movement could reduce the effectiveness of the helmet 105. In other words, the helmet 105 is rigidly (i.e., allowing no, or almost no, flexing) or semi-rigidly (i.e., allowing for slight flexing) attached to the torso subassembly 106. The player's head 102, however, is able to move within the helmet 105. Additionally, the torso subassembly 106 is connected to the body plates 107 to help prevent or reduce excessive movement, or to maintain stability, of the torso subassembly 106 and, thus, of the helmet 105, relative to the player's shoulders or torso 104. Additional details are described below.

Since the helmet 105 is firmly and removably attached to the torso subassembly 106, which is held in place by the body plates 107 (which may be optional in some embodiments), any force applied to the helmet 105 is transferred to, and largely absorbed, by the player's shoulders, upper back and/or torso 104, rather than by the head 102 or neck 103. Furthermore, padding (described below) protects the head 102 when impacts are strong enough to force the head 102 against the inside of the helmet 105. In this manner, impacts to the head 102 and strain on the neck 103 are largely reduced by comparison with conventional helmet systems that allow the helmet to move relative to the shoulder pads, even with respect to conventional helmet systems that include a substantial collar that significantly limits helmet movement. As a result, head and neck injuries are substantially reduced or improved by the head protection helmet assembly 100.

Additionally, the head protection helmet assembly 100 can be applied to other applications, such as for race car drivers or jet pilots, among others. Race car drivers, for example, have helmets that allow the head to turn a slight amount, but restrict large movements. During high speed turns which produce large lateral forces, conventional helmets pull the head and neck to the side to the point that some curves on some race tracks are referred as “neck stretchers”. Additionally, jet pilots experience significant forces on the neck during high-g turns or maneuvers. However, with the driver or pilot's helmet attached and supported in the manner of the head protection helmet assembly 100, the force on the neck is much less. This improvement can reduce driver or pilot fatigue.

The helmet 105 is generally a molded cylinder (e.g., open at the bottom, rounded at the top, and with a view opening in the front) with a shape that is otherwise similar to existing football helmet designs. The helmet 105 is configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the head 102. Additional details or options for the helmet 105 are described below.

As a shoulder pad subassembly, the torso subassembly 106 generally has left and right shoulder pads 108 and a central collar portion 109. The collar portion 109 is configured to be worn by the player 101 and to surround at least an upper portion of the torso (e.g., portions of the chest, upper back, shoulders and collar) of the player 101. The shoulder pads 108 are generally attached to the collar portion 109, are configured to cover the shoulders of the player 101 and are configured to be able to move or pivot relative to the collar portion 109 to allow for some degree of freedom of movement for the arms of the player 101. However, the collar portion 109 is configured to be maintained substantially stable or immovable (i.e., allowing only minimal movement) relative to the upper portion of the player's torso 104. The bottom of the cylindrical portion of the helmet 105 is, thus, firmly and removably attached to the collar portion 109 by a mounting assembly 110, which is described in more detail below. Components for attaching the helmet 105 to the collar portion 109 are on the bottom of the helmet 105, as described below. By means of the mounting assembly 110, therefore, the helmet 105 is firmly attached to the collar portion 109 of the torso subassembly 106, so that any forces applied to the helmet 105 are transferred to the torso subassembly 106, rather than to the head 102 and the neck 103.

As a shoulder pad subassembly, the torso subassembly 106 can be very similar to current shoulder pad assembly designs, but with modifications made to firmly and removably attach the helmet 105. One such modification includes the components (i.e., the mounting assembly 110 or portions thereof) used to attach the torso subassembly 106 to the helmet 105 either manufactured as part of the torso subassembly 106 (e.g., on the collar portion 109) or subsequently attached thereto. The details of this modification may depend on the type of attachment system. The second modification involves attachment of the body plates 107 to the torso subassembly 106. This attachment can be slightly flexible to allow for some degree of freedom of movement of the upper portion of the player's torso 104 and for chest and stomach movement due to breathing. However, the body plates 107 are generally attached to the torso subassembly 106 and strapped around the player's torso 104 so that the body plates 107 cannot move substantially vertically on the player's body, i.e., allowing minimal movement of the body plates 107 relative to the player's torso 104. This attachment generally ensures that the torso subassembly 106 stays in position, so that the helmet 105 does not move significantly; whereas, minor potential movement of the body plates 107 does not cause significant movement of the torso subassembly 106 and, thus, of the helmet 105.

The body plates 107 generally include a front chest plate (shown in FIG. 1) and a back protection plate (not shown), such as various types of flak jackets and rib protectors, among other torso protection devices. In various embodiments, the body plates 107 are rigid or semi-rigid (or semi-flexible), depending on the player's preference or needs for torso movement or flexibility. Additionally, in some embodiments, each body plate 107 (front and back) is one piece; whereas, in other embodiments, one or both of the body plates 107 includes multiple body plate pieces, e.g., left and right plate portions 111 as shown.

Adjustable straps 112 attached between the torso subassembly 106 and the body plates 107 help to hold the torso subassembly 106 in position, so that an impact to the player's front or back does not significantly move the torso subassembly 106 and/or the helmet 105. Additionally, adjustable straps 113 attached between the front chest and back protection plates help to hold the body plates 107 to the torso 104. In addition, adjustable straps 114 attached between the body plates 107 and the player's pants (not shown) or a belt on the pants help to keep the body plates 107 and the torso subassembly 106 in position on the player's torso 104. Furthermore, for embodiments in which one or both of the body plates 107 includes multiple pieces (e.g., left and right portions 111), adjustable straps 115 between the multiple pieces hold them together.

The body plates 107 generally protect the player's torso 104 and help to hold the torso subassembly 106 in position. The length of the body plates 107 (front and back) can be modified to be more convertible or to allow motion required by the player 101. In some embodiments, for example, the body plates 107 generally cover only the rib cage of the player 101, but in other embodiments, the body plates 107 may extend to, or almost to, the player's pelvis.

The above-described parts of the head protection helmet assembly 100 can be made of generally the same types of materials use in conventional football equipment, e.g., molded polycarbonate alloys or plastics for the rigid or semi-rigid components and polymer foam or air bladders for the energy absorbing padding. In some embodiments, for example, the helmet 105 (and some of the other components) generally has an outer shell made from a semi-flexible material that can partially deflect when hit, thereby absorbing some the energy of the impact, and then return to its original shape. In some embodiments, small ridges (not shown) are molded on the inside of helmet 105 to strengthen and stiffen it. The ridges can provide most of the strength of the helmet 105, so that areas between the ridges can be made of a thinner material.

In some embodiments, holes (not shown) can be molded into helmet 105. The holes can be located at the ears of the head 102 (to improve hearing) and at other appropriate locations on the sides, back and top of the helmet 105 (to enable air circulation into and out of the helmet 105 for cooling). With the disclosed structure of the helmet 105 and the head protection helmet assembly 100, the holes can larger than the small holes commonly incorporated in conventional helmets.

Since the helmet 105 is attached to the torso subassembly 106 such that the helmet 105 cannot rotate, the player 101 needs to be able to move or tilt his head 102 up and down and rotate from side-to-side in order see around him during gameplay. Therefore, a front view opening 116 of the helmet 105 is generally large enough to allow for a wide field of view. In general, the front view opening 116 is open from at or near the bottom of the helmet 105 to just above the player's eyes. In some embodiments, the front view opening 116 is generally similar to that of conventional helmets. The width of the front view opening is generally wide enough to match the rotation range of the players head 102, e.g., approximately 1200.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate three possible alternative embodiments for example helmets 201, 301 and 401 for the helmet 105, with alternative example front view openings 202, 302 and 402 for the front view opening 116. Other embodiments may employ other shapes or contours for the front view opening 202, 302 and 402.

The helmet 201 (FIG. 2) illustrates a partially open option for the front view opening 202 that provides protection for the chin and mouth area of the player 101. Pads (not shown) on an interior surface of a lower portion 203 of the helmet 201 (below the front view opening 202) absorb energy when the head 102 moves forward against the helmet 201.

The helmet 301 (FIG. 3) illustrates a fully open option for the front view opening 302, e.g., similar to the opening in a conventional helmet in which the helmet itself provides no protection for the player's lower face. This option may provide a greater vertical field of view than that of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The helmet 401 (FIG. 4) illustrates a contoured opening option for the front view opening 402. This option generally provides more protection in the areas between the player's eyes, cheeks, and lower jaw area than that of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. The helmet 401 has padding (not shown) on the interior surface to give more area for absorbing impacts between the face (e.g., for cheeks, mouth, and chin areas) and the helmet 401.

Each alternative embodiment in FIGS. 2-4 may include a face mask (not shown) similar to the face masks attached to conventional helmets to protect the player 101. Such face masks can use strong metal or plastic wires or clear polymer shields or a combination of the two.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide cut-away views of the helmet 105, thereby showing examples of internal helmet padding 501 inside the helmet 105, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, every exposed internal surface of the helmet 105 is covered by such helmet padding 501. In other embodiments, however, the helmet padding 501 may be strategically placed on the internal surface.

Additionally, FIG. 7 shows a head cap 701 with cap padding 702 thereon (or simply a padded cap). The head cap 701 is strapped to the player's head 102.

In various embodiments, either one or both of the types of padding 501 and/or 702 (i.e., within the helmet 105 or as part of the head cap 701) is used with the head protection helmet assembly 100 to provide protection for the head 102 during gameplay, so that the head 102 does not directly strike a hard surface within the helmet 105, but instead presses against the helmet padding 501 (with or without the cap padding 702).

In some embodiments, the cap padding 702 is softer than the helmet padding 501. For mild impacts, the softer padding thus provides better cushioning for the head 102. For greater impacts, on the other hand, the softer padding will be completely compressed and the harder helmet padding 501 will absorb most of the energy of the impact of the head 102 against the helmet 105.

In some embodiments, the cap padding 702 is arranged so that the locations of individual pads on the head cap 701 does not coincide with individual pads of the helmet padding 501 on the inside surface of the helmet 105 when the player's head 102 is in a neutral or resting forward-facing orientation. In general, if the thickness of the padding (501 and/or 702) is the same as that of the pads in conventional helmets, then the helmet 105 will likely be slightly larger than conventional helmets.

Since the player's head movement within the helmet 105 needs to be fairly rapid during gameplay, the helmet 105 is generally large enough so that the helmet padding 501 therein does not press too hard against the surface of the player's head 102 or against the surface of the head cap 701 (or the cap padding 702). In this manner, the player's head 102 does not encounter too much resistance or friction for rapid head turning movement. To further enable freedom of head movement, either the inner surface of the helmet padding 501 or the outer surface of the head cap 701 (or the cap padding 702) or both can be covered with a slippery substance, such as a lubricant, gel, oil, etc.

In accordance with the disclosure herein, the helmet 105 might be slightly heavier than conventional helmets. However, since all of the weight of the helmet 105 is supported by the shoulders and torso, rather than the neck, of the player 101, the additional weight of the helmet 105 should not bother the player 101; and even with the additional weight, the helmet 105 (or the head protection helmet assembly 100) might be more comfortable than conventional helmets, since that weight is not placed on the head 102 or neck 103.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the helmet 105, the collar portion 109 of the torso subassembly 106, and the mounting assembly 110 at different stages of attaching or detaching the helmet 105 to the collar portion 109, in accordance with some embodiments in which the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 are separate, or separable, elements. In FIG. 8, the helmet 105 is forward facing relative to the collar portion 109; whereas, in FIG. 9, the helmet 105 is turned or rotated slightly to one side relative to the collar portion 109. The configuration in FIG. 9 represents the relationship between the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 at a point when the helmet 105 has just been placed onto the collar portion 109 or is about to be removed therefrom, according to some embodiments. In other words, the helmet 105 can be lifted directly up and off the collar portion 109 at this point. The configuration in FIG. 8, on the other hand, represents the relationship between the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 at a point when the helmet 105 has been securely fastened to the collar portion 109.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 110 generally includes a helmet mount device (e.g., that is or includes a mounting ring or flange) 801, a collar mount device (e.g., that is or includes a mounting ring or flange) 802, and a quick release pin 803. The helmet 105 is attached to or formed integrally with the helmet mount device 801, and the collar portion 109 is attached to or formed integrally with the collar mount device 802. In some embodiments, therefore, the helmet 105 and the helmet mount device 801 form a helmet subassembly, and the collar mount device 802 forms part of the torso subassembly 106. In some embodiments, the mount devices 801 and 802 at least partially surround the neck 103 of the player 101 and are configured or sized such that the head 102 of the player 101 can be placed therethrough. In the configuration of FIG. 9, the mount devices 801 and 802 have simply been placed together, and the quick release pin 803 is in an extended unengaged position. In the configuration of FIG. 8, on the other hand, the mount devices 801 and 802 have been rotated into an interlocked position, and the quick release pin 803 has been engaged in an inserted locked position, so that the mount devices 801 and 802 are firmly and fixedly, albeit removably, attached to each other. In the inserted locked position, the quick release pin 803 prevents rotation of the mount devices 801 and 802 (and thus of the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109) relative to each other, thereby securely attaching the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109. Other embodiments, may use other mechanisms for attaching and detaching the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109, as long as the attachment mechanism prevents movement of the helmet 105 relative to the collar portion 109 and can withstand the forces that might pull the helmet 105 from the collar portion 109 (or the torso subassembly 106).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a dove tail attachment ring 1001 connects the collar portion 109 to a mounting ring or flange 1002 the collar mount device 802 (or to the helmet mount device 801 or the helmet 105). The dove tail attachment ring 1001, thus, has a top end portion shaped to connect to the collar mount device 802 (or to the helmet mount device 801 or the helmet 105) and a bottom end portion shaped to be mounted on, attached to, or formed integrally with, the collar portion 109. In some embodiments, therefore, the dove tail attachment ring 1001 forms part of the torso subassembly 106 as part of or in combination with the collar mount device 802. In some embodiments, the mounting ring or flange 1002 is mounted on or attached to the dove tail attachment ring 1001 in a manner by which it can be released or detached therefrom. Alternatively, the mounting ring or flange 1002 and the dove tail attachment ring 1001 can be formed integrally or permanently attached together, thereby forming a single element for the collar mount device 802. In some embodiments, therefore, the collar mount device 802 is an integral part of the collar portion 109 or is a separate element that can be detached from the collar portion 109. In some embodiments, the dove tail attachment ring 1001 is made of metal or high strength polymer and is attached to the mounting ring or flange 1002 with mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

In some embodiments, the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 of the torso subassembly 106 are formed integrally with, or permanently attached to, each other, instead of being separate, or separable, elements. Thus, the mount devices 801 and 802, with the dove tail attachment ring 1001 and the mounting ring or flange 1002, are replaced with an equivalent single component that attaches between the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 or that is formed as part of the bottom portion of the helmet 105 for attaching to the collar portion 109. For this “non-removable-helmet” (or “integral-elements”) design, the helmet 105 can be permanently attached to the collar portion 109 (e.g., with the mount devices 801 and 802, or the equivalent single component therebetween) using adhesive or mechanical joining technology. The non-removable-helmet embodiment is generally simpler than, and generally functions just as well as, the “removable-helmet” (or “separate-elements”) embodiment, described above. However, it may be more difficult or cumbersome for the player 101 to remove the helmet 105 (along with the collar portion 109 or the entire torso subassembly 106) during downtime during a game, as is more easily done with the separate-elements embodiment.

An example construction and operation for the mount devices 801 and 802 is shown in FIGS. 12-14, by which the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 can be rotated relative to each other as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. (The helmet 105, the collar portion 109 and the dove tail attachment ring 1001 are not shown, but are assumed to be attached as described above.) In the illustrated embodiment, the mount devices 801 and 802 include interlocking flanged semi-circular ring rail type components with interlocking male and female profiles. (Other embodiments may use other appropriate shapes or profiles.) Although both mount devices 801 and 802 are shown as open semi-circular rings in FIGS. 12-14, the helmet mount device 801 is shown as a closed circular ring in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the collar mount device 802 could also be a closed circular ring. The helmet mount device 801 generally has flanged portions 1201 (with flanges 1202) separated by thinner portions 1203 (without flanges) on the underside thereof. Additionally, the collar mount device 802 generally has grooved portions 1204 (with grooves 1205) separated by thinner portions 1206 (without grooves) on the topside thereof. The outer surface of the flanges 1202 match the inner surface of the grooves 1205, so that the flanges 1202 and grooves 1205 can be interlocked together.

In FIG. 12, the helmet mount device 801 is displaced above and away from the collar mount device 802, as if in a position just before the helmet 105 were to be lowered down and placed onto the collar portion 109 or just after the helmet 105 had been lifted off of the collar portion 109. Additionally, the helmet mount device 801 is in a rotated position relative to the collar mount device 802, such that the flanges 1202 of the helmet mount device 801 are vertically aligned with the thinner portions 1206 of the collar mount device 802, and the grooved portions 1204 of the collar mount device 802 are vertically aligned with the thinner portions 1203 of the helmet mount device 801.

In FIG. 13, the mount devices 801 and 802 are in a position where the underside of the helmet mount device 801 touches the topside of the collar mount device 802, as if the helmet 105 (relative to the collar portion 109) were in the position shown in FIG. 9 and either about to be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 8 or had just been rotated from that position. In this configuration, the flanges 1202 are within in the spaces between the grooved portions 1204, so that the flanges 1202 are adjacent the grooves 1205. In FIG. 14 the mount devices 801 and 802 are in a fully engaged or interlocked position, as if the helmet 105 and the collar portion 109 were in the position shown in FIG. 8.

The flange-and-groove rail system described for FIGS. 12-14 generally provides physical support in all directions and uses a latching device to prevent rotation of the helmet 105. In some embodiments, the latching device includes a type of quick release mechanism that ensures that the helmet 105 is secure but can be quickly and easily removed, such as the quick release pin 803. In FIG. 14, the quick release pin 803 is shown engaged in the inserted locked position (as in FIG. 8); whereas in FIGS. 12 and 13, the quick release pin 803 is in the extended unengaged position (as in FIG. 9). The quick release pin 803 prevents rotation of the helmet mount device 801 relative to the collar mount device 802. To support the quick release pin 803, the mount devices 801 and 802 have matching holes 1207 and 1208, respectively. Correct alignment of holes 1207 and 1208 confirms that the mount devices 801 and 802 are correctly aligned, engaged or interlocked. The quick release pin 803 will likely be subjected to shear forces, but generally not tensile forces. In some embodiments, the quick release pin 803 is a Dzus fastener, a ball lock pin, a screw fastener, a spring latch, or other appropriate lock/release mechanism that can hold flanges together. Quarter turn Dzus fasteners may require a screw driver for operation. A ball lock pin, on the other hand, generally does not require additional tools for operation.

In FIGS. 12-14, the groove 1205 at one end 1209 of the collar mount device 802 has a solid stop before the end 1209. The solid section is about 5⁰ of the circular shape of the collar mount device 802, or about ⅜″ long. The solid end gives a positive stop when the mount devices 801 and 802 are fully engaged and interlocked. The solid end also helps prevent rotation of the helmet 105 if the helmet 105 is pulled in that direction.

In some alternative embodiments, the flanges and grooves can be provided as straight rail sections on the left and right sides of the helmet 105. In this case, the helmet 105 (e.g., with a fully open option for the front view opening similar to the front view opening 302 shown in FIG. 3) could be placed onto the collar portion 109 by sliding the helmet 105 over the head 102 from the rear.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate some alternative rail profiles that can be used for the attachment technique shown in FIGS. 12-14. The profiles can be molded or machined.

FIG. 15 shows a profile with a triangular (or trapezoidal) dovetail shape for the flanges 1202 and grooves 1205. FIG. 16 shows a profile with a circular shape for the flanges 1202 and grooves 1205. FIG. 17 shows a profile with a rectangular flange profile for the helmet mount device 801 and the collar mount device 802. Other embodiments may use any other appropriate profile shape, e.g., rectangular, square, etc.

In other embodiments, however, the helmet 105 can be lowered straight down onto the collar portion 109. In this case, multiple quick release pins would be provided at multiple appropriate locations around the periphery of the mount devices to hold the mount devices together.

A simplified example of an alternative improved head protection helmet assembly 1800 is shown in FIG. 18 surrounding the person or player 101, in accordance with some embodiments. Some of the features or elements of the head protection helmet assembly 1800 are the same or similar to corresponding features or elements of the head protection helmet assembly 100 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the usage, operation or function of the head protection helmet assembly 1800 is the same or similar to that of the head protection helmet assembly 100, but with variations as described below. According to one such variation, for example, the head protection helmet assembly 1800 is configured to be used with a separate conventional shoulder pad assembly (not shown in FIG. 18) with no, or minimal, modifications to the conventional shoulder pad assembly. Thus, the head protection helmet assembly 1800 generally includes the helmet 105, a torso subassembly 1806, and the body plates 107 (which may be optional in some embodiments). The torso subassembly 1806 serves to support or stabilize the helmet 105. The helmet 105 is firmly, but removably, attached to the torso subassembly 1806, so that the helmet 105 does not move significantly or at all relative to the torso subassembly 1806. In other words, the helmet 105 is rigidly (i.e., allowing no, or almost no, flexing) or semi-rigidly (i.e., allowing for slight flexing) attached to the torso subassembly 1806. The player's head 102, however, is able to move within the helmet 105.

The torso subassembly 1806 generally includes a support vest 1809 and a collar mount device (e.g., a mounting ring or flange) 1808 rigidly or semi-rigidly attached together. The support vest 1809 is configured to be worn by the player 101 and to surround at least an upper portion of the torso (e.g., portions of the chest, upper back, shoulders and collar) of the player 101. Additionally, the support vest 1809 is configured to be maintained substantially stable or immovable (i.e., allowing only minimal movement) relative to the upper portion of the player's torso 104. The bottom of the cylindrical portion of the helmet 105 is, thus, firmly and removably attached to the support vest 1809 by a mounting assembly 1810, which includes the collar mount device 1808 and is described in more detail below. Components for attaching the helmet 105 to the support vest 1809 are on the bottom of the helmet 105, as described above. By means of the mounting assembly 1810, therefore, the helmet 105 is firmly attached to the support vest 1809 of the torso subassembly 1806, so that any forces applied to the helmet 105 are transferred to the torso subassembly 1806, rather than to the head 102 and the neck 103.

The collar mount device 1808 is generally similar to the collar mount device 802 or the combination of the collar mount device 802 and the dove tail attachment ring 1001, as described above. The collar mount device 1808 generally has an inner diameter or dimension that is configured or sized large enough such that the head 102 of the player 101 can be placed therethrough. However, since the torso subassembly 1806 is configured be used with a conventional shoulder pad assembly, the collar mount device 1808 also generally has an outer diameter or dimension that is configured or sized small enough for the shoulder pad assembly to be placed down on top of the support vest 1809 such that the shoulder pad assembly surrounds the collar mount device 1808 at a position generally below the helmet 105. Thus, at least a portion of the collar mount device 1808 is shown having a narrower width than that of the collar mount device 802 above. In this manner, the shoulder pad assembly can generally be worn by the player 101 almost in a conventional manner, except for the presence of the support vest 1809 between the player 101 and the shoulder pad assembly. Additionally, the shoulder pad assembly can be a conventional element if the existing clearance for the player's neck is also sufficient to surround the collar mount device 1808. Otherwise, the shoulder pad assembly may have to be slightly modified to provide a slightly larger neck opening for additional clearance.

For embodiments that include the body plates 107, the torso subassembly 1806 is connected to the body plates 107 to help prevent or reduce excessive movement, or to maintain stability, of the torso subassembly 1806 and, thus, of the helmet 105, relative to the player's shoulders or torso 104. The adjustable straps 112 attached between the torso subassembly 1806 and the body plates 107 help to hold the torso subassembly 1806 in position, so that an impact to the player's front or back does not significantly move the torso subassembly 1806 and/or the helmet 105. Additionally, adjustable straps 114 attached between the body plates 107 and the player's pants (not shown) or a belt on the pants help to keep the body plates 107 and the torso subassembly 1806 in position on the player's torso 104.

The torso subassembly 1806 can be made of generally the same types of materials use in conventional football equipment, e.g., molded polycarbonate alloys or plastics for the rigid or semi-rigid components and polymer foam or air bladders for the energy absorbing padding. In some embodiments, the support vest 1809 is made similar to the collar portion 109 of the torso subassembly 106, e.g., with a hard upper shell and padding under the shell, but the padding may be thinner in some embodiments since the shoulder pad assembly is placed over the support vest 1809.

A simplified depiction of portions of the torso subassembly 1806 is shown in FIG. 19, in accordance with some embodiments. The support vest 1809 generally curves around over the shoulders of the player 101 between the player's upper chest and upper back. Straps (not shown) generally fasten the support vest 1809 to the torso 104 of the player 101 in much the same way that the shoulder pad assembly is fastened. The collar mount device 1808 generally includes a relatively narrow neck portion 1901 and a mounting ring or flange 1902. The bottom of the neck portion 1901 is attached to the support vest 1809. The top of the neck portion 1901 is attached to the mounting ring or flange 1902, e.g., similar to the dove tail attachment ring 1001 and the mounting ring or flange 1002. The mounting ring or flange 1902 is shown with grooved portions 1904 separated by thinner grooveless portions 1906 on the topside thereof for attachment to the helmet mount device 801, as described above. The neck portion 1901 and the mounting ring or flange 1902 generally have the inner diameter or dimension that is configured or sized large enough such that the head 102 of the player 101 can be placed therethrough.

A simplified depiction of portions of the torso subassembly 1806 and a portion of an example conventional shoulder pad assembly 2001 is shown in FIG. 20, in accordance with some embodiments. The shoulder pad assembly 2001 is shown without the shoulder pads 108 (FIG. 1) but are understood to be included. The shoulder pad assembly 2001 is shown having been placed down onto the support vest 1809, so that the neck opening of the central collar portion 109 of the shoulder pad assembly 2001 is generally able to abut the outer surface of the neck portion 1901, and the mounting ring or flange 1902 is positioned above the shoulder pad assembly 2001. Thus, the neck portion 1901 generally has the outer diameter or dimension that is configured or sized small enough for the shoulder pad assembly 2001 to be placed down on top of the support vest 1809 such that the neck opening of the central collar portion 109 of the shoulder pad assembly 2001 substantially (i.e., all or mostly) surrounds the neck portion 1901 at a position generally below the mounting ring or flange 1902 and the helmet 105, e.g., such that at least the central collar portion 109 is substantially (i.e., all or mostly) below the mounting ring or flange 1902. Additionally, the mounting ring or flange 1902 generally has an outer diameter or dimension that is configured or sized small enough for the mounting ring or flange 1902 to pass through the neck opening of the central collar portion 109 of the shoulder pad assembly 2001 when the shoulder pad assembly 2001 is placed down on top of the support vest 1809. However, in some embodiments, the outer diameter or dimension of the mounting ring or flange 1902 is also larger than the outer diameter or dimension of the neck portion 1901, so that the mounting ring or flange 1902 is generally also large enough to receive, and to provide sufficient structural support for, the helmet mount device 801 of the helmet 105. Therefore, given the larger outer diameter or dimension of the mounting ring or flange 1902, when the shoulder pad assembly 2001 is placed down on top of the support vest 1809, then a part of the central collar portion 109 nearest the neck opening may be positioned under a portion of the mounting ring or flange 1902 that extends outward from the top of the neck portion 1901, so that this part of the central collar portion 109 may abut the underside surface of the mounting ring or flange 1902.

Additionally, the shoulder pad assembly 2001 can aid in keeping the torso subassembly 1806 in its proper position. Furthermore, the straps of both the shoulder pad assembly 2001 and the torso subassembly 1806 can be used together keep them both securely fitting together.

It is generally known that the major cause of brain concussions in sports is acceleration of the player's head that cause the brain to impact or be pressed against the inside of the skull. Severe concussions are usually caused by high energy impacts. However, recent studies have indicated that severe concussions are also caused or exacerbated by a series of minor impacts, each of which may not necessarily cause indications of concussions individually. The high energy impact, then, is typically just the final event. If the minor impacts to helmets can be prevented from causing head impacts to the inside of the helmet, then the severity of high impact concussions is reduced. The transfer of energy from the helmet 105 to the torso subassembly 106 or 1806 (and some to the body plates 107) helps to reduce the acceleration of the player's head 102 and the resulting traumatic force on the brain.

Mild impacts to the helmet 105 will be almost completely absorbed by the helmet 105 and the torso subassembly 106 or 1806 with very little resulting movement of the head 102 against the helmet padding 501. The effect on the head 102 due to any impact, thus, will be similar to that of an impact on the body or torso 104. For greater impacts to the player 101, the force might be large enough to cause some movement of the head 102, but the overall acceleration of the head 102 is less with usage of the head protection helmet assembly 100 than would occur with a conventional helmet. Most impacts will not be great enough for the head 102 to contact the inside of the helmet 105 (unless the helmet padding 501 is thick enough to press against the head 102 or cap padding 702 at all times). Extremely hard impacts (e.g., that can cause concussions with conventional helmets), however, might cause the head 102 to move enough to impact or significantly deflect the helmet padding 501 on the inside of the helmet 105. However, most of energy of such impacts is absorbed by the torso subassembly 106 or 1806, so the acceleration of the head 102 is not be as great as it is with a conventional helmet.

In addition to the impacts that push the helmet 105 directly to the side, to the front or to the back, some side contact tends to rotate the helmet 105. Helmet rotation creates head angular rotation that is a significant factor in concussions with conventional helmets. However, impacts to the side of the helmet 105 will not produce a large body rotation, so the rotational acceleration on the head 102 will be much less than that which occurs with conventional helmets.

Impacts that are more or less directly to the top of the helmet 105 typically occur when the player 101 lowers his head 102 when running into another player, such as when a runner lowers his head and runs into a tackler, or when a defensive player lowers his head during a tackle. In this situation, with the use of the head protection helmet assembly 100, almost all of the force is transferred to the torso subassembly 106 or 1806, such that there is almost no force on the head 102 or neck 103. The only head acceleration results from the overall change in motion of the body or torso 104.

For the greater impacts (whether side-to-side, front-to-back, top-of-helmet, or rotational) when using the head protection helmet assembly 100, the player's neck muscles will be more effective in supporting the head 102 and reducing head acceleration (compared with using conventional helmets). This effect occurs because the neck muscles do not have to overcome the momentum of the helmet 105. In other words, in none of these impact cases is the force of the impact transferred to the neck 103.

The neck muscles normally act as a spring that is deflected by any movement of the head and attempt to return the head to a normal position. The greater the weight of the head/helmet combination the greater the deflection of the neck and the greater the force required to return the head to a normal position. For example, the typical weight of a head is approximately 11 pounds, and the typical weight of a conventional helmet is about 3-5 pounds. Thus, the helmet increases the head weight by about 25-50%. The conventional helmet weight can cause neck strain and contribute to player fatigue. Additionally, with a conventional helmet attached to the head, the neck must support the helmet, so the strain exerted by neck muscles is the only force resisting the movement of the neck until the conventional helmet has moved enough to be stopped by the shoulder pads or collars between the helmet and shoulder pads. On the other hand, usage of the head protection helmet assembly 100, wherein the torso subassembly 106 or 1806 supports the helmet 105, generally eliminates the additional helmet weight that the neck 103 would have had to support with a conventional helmet.

A neck stinger injury is a type of injury that typically does not receive as much attention as concussions, but it can be a fairly common injury in contact sports, such as American-style football, rugby, and other contact sports that involve impact to the head and neck. A “stinger” is the term used to describe symptoms from a certain types of impact injury to the neck. A stinger most commonly occurs when the head is forced away from the shoulder sideways or backward. A stinger can also be caused by a downward force to the shoulders. The sudden force pinches, or acutely stretches, the nerves in the neck. When the nerves are suddenly impacted or stressed in this manner, stinging or burning and possibly neurological symptoms may radiate along the path of the nerve into the arms. In extremely hard impacts that force the head to the rear, neck muscles and nerves can be thus injured. Additionally, impacts that force the head forward to pivot downward, or when the head is turned down by the player, can cause a tensile force on the vertebrae, muscles and nerves of the neck, potentially resulting in severe injuries to the neck, including damage to the spinal column and temporary or permanent paralysis. With usage of the head protection helmet assembly 100, however, the relative movement of the head 102 is significantly reduced and the forces on the neck 103 are almost entirely prevented, thereby mitigating or almost completely eliminating neck stinger injuries.

When a player experiences either positive or negative acceleration to his body, a relative movement between the body and head occurs. In American-style football, this can happen during blocking by linemen or tackling of a runner. The momentum and inertia of the head and helmet applies a force to the neck. For any velocity, momentum and inertia are directly proportional to the combined weight of the head and helmet. When the body is slowed or stopped or changes direction, the momentum of the head-helmet combination tries to keep the head moving in the initial direction. With conventional helmets attached to the head, the body pulls on the neck and the neck pulls the head to redirect head to move in the same direction as the body. The greater the mass of the head-helmet combination the greater is the force required by or applied to the neck. Additionally, when a runner is tackled and stopped, the runner's body stops almost all forward motion. The head continues moving forward until the neck stops the forward motion. As the body moves backward and downward the body pulls the head in the direction or body movement. The inertia of the helmet and head resists this movement and applies a strain on the neck. The head follows the body. When the body hits the ground, it stops and the head continues down until it hits the ground in a whipping type action and stops quickly. When the conventional helmet is slammed onto the ground, the helmet stops, and the head impacts the pads on the inside of the helmet. This is a type of event that can cause the minor impacts associated with eventual major concussions. Thicker pads on the inside of the conventional helmet could provide more impact protection, but thicker pads generally require a larger and heavier helmet. On the other hand, usage of the head protection helmet assembly 100, with the helmet 105 attached to the torso subassembly 106 or 1806, the relative movement of the head 102 is restricted by the helmet 105. The head 102 is thus pulled by the helmet 105, so the neck 103 is not stressed by having to pull on the head 102 as much as occurs with a conventional helmet. Therefore, there is much less flexing of the neck 103 with usage of the head protection helmet assembly 100 than with usage of a conventional helmet. Excessive flexing of the neck 103 is thus prevented. The head 102 and helmet 105 will impact the ground, but the head 102 will not be subject to the whipping action, and the velocity or negative acceleration (or deceleration) of the head 102 will be less. The energy of the impact with the ground is proportional to the velocity squared, so a minor reduction in velocity can result in a significant decrease in the energy of the impact. The energy reduction can reduce, or possibly eliminate a concussion.

Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed invention, one or more examples of which have been illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each example has been provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a limitation of the present technology. In fact, while the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A head protection helmet assembly comprising: a helmet; and a torso subassembly removably attached to the helmet; wherein the helmet cannot move relative to the torso subassembly.
 2. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a force applied to the helmet is transferred to the torso subassembly and then to shoulders or a torso of the person.
 3. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a head of the person can be moved inside, and relative to, the helmet.
 4. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: the helmet includes padding on an inside thereof; and during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, a head of the person can move inside, and relative to, the helmet to press on the padding.
 5. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: the torso subassembly includes a support vest configured to be worn by a person between the person and a shoulder pad assembly that includes shoulder pads and a central collar portion attached together; and the helmet is removably attached to the support vest.
 6. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 5, wherein: the torso subassembly further includes a collar mount device attached to the support vest; and the helmet is removably attached to the collar mount device.
 7. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 6, wherein: the collar mount device includes a mounting ring configured to at least partially surround a neck of the person; and the helmet is removably attached to the mounting ring.
 8. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 7, wherein: the collar mount device further includes a neck portion; a bottom of the neck portion is attached to the support vest; and a top of the neck portion is attached to the mounting ring.
 9. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 8, wherein: an inner dimension of the neck portion and the mounting ring is configured for a head of the person to be placed therethrough.
 10. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 9, wherein: the neck portion and the mounting ring are configured for the shoulder pad assembly to be placed down on top of the support vest, with a neck opening of the central collar portion substantially surrounding and abutting the neck portion, and with the central collar portion substantially below the mounting ring.
 11. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 10, wherein: the neck portion and the mounting ring are configured for part of the central collar portion to be positioned under a portion of the mounting ring when the shoulder pad assembly is placed down on top of the support vest.
 12. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: the torso subassembly is a shoulder pad subassembly that includes shoulder pads and a central collar portion attached together; and the helmet is removably attached to the central collar portion.
 13. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 12, wherein: the torso subassembly further includes a collar mount device attached to the central collar portion; and the helmet is removably attached to the collar mount device.
 14. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 13, wherein: the collar mount device includes a mounting ring configured to at least partially surround a neck of the person; and the helmet is removably attached to the mounting ring.
 15. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: front and rear body plates attached to the torso subassembly; wherein, during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, the front and rear body plates reduce movement of the torso subassembly and the helmet.
 16. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a head cap worn by a person during usage of the head protection helmet assembly; wherein the head cap includes cap padding thereon.
 17. The head protection helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein: during usage of the head protection helmet assembly by a person, the head protection helmet assembly prevents transfer of forces to a neck of the person or prevents excessive flexing of the neck.
 18. A head protection helmet assembly comprising: a helmet subassembly comprising: a helmet configured to surround at least a portion of a head of a person; a helmet mount device attached to the helmet; a torso subassembly comprising: a support vest configured to be worn by the person between the person and a shoulder pad assembly that includes shoulder pads and a central collar portion attached together, wherein the support vest is configured to surround at least an upper portion of a torso of the person and configured to be maintained substantially immovable relative to the torso; and a collar mount device attached to the support vest; and wherein: the helmet mount device and the collar mount device are configured to be removably attached to each other; and when the helmet mount device and the collar mount device are removably attached to each other, the helmet cannot move relative to the support vest.
 19. A head protection helmet assembly comprising: a helmet subassembly comprising: a helmet configured to surround at least a portion of a head of a person; a helmet mount device attached to the helmet; a shoulder pad subassembly comprising: a collar portion configured to be worn by the person, configured to surround at least an upper portion of a torso of the person, and configured to be maintained substantially immovable relative to the torso; shoulder pads attached to the collar portion; and a collar mount device attached to the collar portion; and wherein: the helmet mount device and the collar mount device are configured to be removably attached to each other; and when the helmet mount device and the collar mount device are removably attached to each other, the helmet cannot move relative to the collar portion. 